Waking slowly, I look around the room in slight confusion before remembering where I was. Throwing off my thick duvet, I reluctantly remove myself from my plush mattress and change into some basic clothes. White shirt, grey jeans and the pair of simple leather boots I got the day after my first fight with Damien.

Looking up as I changed, my eyes landed on the sword Damien yielded and my face scrunched. I tried and failed to shake the feeling of deep familiarity that struck me every time I looked at the blade, that strange sense of solemn longing that hit me hard in the heart each time my eyes even so much as glanced at it. Something wasn't right with it, but for the life of me, I didn't know what.

Deciding to only strap Ace to my thigh, I splashed my face with some cold water and made my way downstairs and into the grand kitchen, greeting any of my staff that came across. Yawning deeply, I opened one of the many cupboards to get some coffee only to find it barren of anything. Quirking my brow, I closed it and opened another cupboard. Once again, nothing. Opening one more, I was met with the same sight.

"Uhhh, that's not right," I said, confused.

"Is something wrong, Sir?"

Turning, I spot one of my staff, a younger Pegasis woman, maybe early to mid-twenties with a head of jet black hair with a streak of bright yellow across one side of her bangs and a pair of surprisingly strong-looking dark grey wings.

"Uh, Honey Bee, wasn't it?" I asked.

She smiled warmly. "That's me, Sir!"

"Well uh...it seems the cupboards are empty," I chuckled, somewhat amused by the sudden lack of anything.

"Empty, Sir?" She asked incredulously.

Coming up next to me, she peered into the cupboard I was looking in and opened another then another. Calling another member of staff, Sapphire Snow, a Unicorn woman roughly the same age with a head of bright sapphire blue hair with a lighter blue horn, began rummaging through the rest of the kitchen as Marble Sweeper, a Unicorn man in his mid-thirties with brown hair and limestone yellow horn, arrived and subsequently joined in.

As the trio searched the kitchen for even a whisper of its contents, a suspicion struck me as to who may have caused the sudden disappearance of my home's produce. The three approached me rather nervously, glancing amongst themselves before Honey Bee spoke.

"Um Sir? It seems the entire kitchen is....empty," She said slowly, fidgeting with her finger behind her back.

"Is it only food and other produce like that by chance?" I asked, rubbing my freshly shaven chin.

"Um...yes Sir," She replied.

Chuckling softly to myself, I shake my head. "I think I know who did this."

"Who, Sir, if I may?" Marble Sweeper asked.

"A certain party planner."

"Should we...notify someone?" Sapphire Snow asked uncertainly.

"Oh no, no need. If it is her, then it'll be resolved by day's end, at the latest," I replied, looking to the kitchen door and spotting Ghost walking in. For the first time in a while, he chose to wear more simplistic clothing, a black shirt and a pair of dark jeans, wearing a simple balaclava with a painted skull as opposed to his normal mask. "Glad you could join us Ghost."

"What seems to be the problem?" He asked, crossing his arms, accentuating his large build.

"Just Pinkie Pie."

"Ah," He nodded. "Well, we should probably see what it's about then."

"I think I already know," I said before turning back to the three in front of me. "If you could inform the rest of the staff and let them know Ghost and I will be out for a few hours at least, I would appreciate it."

"Of course, Sir. We will inform them right away," Sapphire Snow replied.

"Thank you."

Quickly grabbing a small leather pouch of bits and attaching it to my belt, we made for the front door and walked down the neat stone path, passing the front gate and towards Ponyville. It was made readily apparent that the streets were barren of life. Though it was early, it wasn't nearly early enough for people to still be inside, readying themselves for the day ahead. The streets should have more than a few walking it. Shaking my head, my suspicion was nigh confirmed.

Turning towards Sugar Cube Corner, Ghost followed wordlessly beside me as we stepped up the steps in front of the local bakery. Briefly rubbing my eyes to rid them of any sleep I may have still had, I opened the front doors to be met with a wall of sound.

"SURPRISE!!!"

I simply stood there with a slightly amused grin as Ghost flinched at the sudden sound, Pinkie loudest among them. Disappearing into the crowd, her face then suddenly came from the top of my vision as she appeared on my shoulders once again while Ghost visibly recoiled and brought his hands up a little, his eyes wide in surprise while the rest of the girls stepped up to us laughing.

"Were you surprised? WereyouwereyouwereyouhuhHUHHUH!?" She exclaimed.

"I was when I found out all my house's food was missing," I replied, looking up at her, catching the Welcome Back To Ponyville banner hanging from the ceiling behind her.

"Wait, all his food is missing?" Twilight asked in a disbelieving tone.

"Well yeah, how else was I gonna get him to come?" Pinkie replied, still atop my shoulders.

"Maybe...asking next time?" Fluttershy quietly suggested.

"Where's the fun in thaaaaaat?" She groaned with a giggle, hopping down from my shoulders.

"I dunno sugarcube, I'd be mighty ticked if mah pantry was raided without mah knowhow," Applejack added.

"Oh don't worry, it'll all be back before you know it!" She reassured high-fiving a chuckling Rainbow Dash.

"Here you go Darling," Rarity said, handing me a bundle of purple fabric. "Good as new."

Taking it from her, I quickly unravelled it and saw my coat bare of any of its previous damage, as new as the day I acquired it.

"Thank you so much Rarity, you're a doll," I said, lightly kissing her cheek.

"Oh my goodness," She giggled playfully. "Of course, Percival, I'm always happy to help."

As I put my coat back, I realized how naked I felt without it, like something was missing when I didn't have it on. I admired the fashionista's handiwork and noted how soft it felt compared to before, it even had that new coat smell to it. It was also at that point I noticed a brief look of jealousy when I kissed her cheek, and shockingly, it wasn't from Spike, who seemed completely unbothered by it. The look came from Applejack and was gone as quickly as it came.

"Holy shit," I thought to myself. "That explains why she wanted to kill those Diamond Dogs herself, but when did this happen? I'll be saving that little nugget of knowledge for later."

"Now go enjoy yourself! You could use the downtime," Rarity said waving me off with a hint of mirth.

Rolling my eyes, I walked further into the bakery, nodding and greeting the other partygoers as I sat on a stool at what was basically the bar, Ghost sitting next to me. A stouter, more mature woman with dark bubble gum hair walked up to us, idly readjusting her simple yellow apron before addressing us.

"Sir Percival, so nice to see you again!" She said warmly. "I saw you the last time you were here. I just wanted to thank you for what you did that day. And what you did in Las Almas? I have a Lycan cousin and knowing what happened, oh those poor dears didn't deserve any of it."

"You ain't kiddin'" Ghost nodded gently.

"Got that right," I nodded as well. "We were just doing our job, Ma'am."

"Oh don't you Ma'am me," She said firmly but softly. "Just call me Cake. Now, what can I get you, boys?"

"Do you do breakfasts?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, a plate of food appeared in front of us, with Ghosts being larger than mine, the food steaming as it settled to a stop. Looking up, I flashed Pinkie Pie, who had appeared out of nowhere as usual, a bemused look as she stood happily next to Mrs Cake, who shook her head in amusement.

"You're lucky I like you," I said, picking up the fork next to the plate.

"Then I'll count my blessings!" She said, practically skipping into the crowd of people.

"She frightens me, Sir," Ghost said, rolling up his mask to eat.

I laughed heartily. "You aren't the only one."

As we ate, a few people came up and greeted and welcomed us, mainly me, to their quaint, if however weird town. The food was quick to disappear as Pinkie took the plates away, allowing us to mingle amongst the populace and enjoy the party properly, hopefully without interruption this time.

~~

"I must say, Pinks, this party is awesome," I said, taking a healthy bite of a slice of cake.

"Well, it's not every day I get to welcome a Paladin!" She said excitedly, adjusting her denim jacket. "Plus, the last one was kinda ruined, plus plus you're moving here properly so I just had to make it special!"

"Heh, can't argue with that," I nod.

The party had gone on for an hour or so, and despite that, it was yet to show even a whisper of slowing down. People danced, ate, drank, talked, played various games and generally had fun amongst friends and acquaintances. It was something I hadn't experienced myself properly as the last one, as Pinkie said, had ended rather abruptly.

As much as I was used to the upper echelons of Canterlot and having to constantly train its military, it was nice not being surrounded by the higher class for once, seeing normal people go about doing their own thing. It's amazing that you tend to take these sorts of things for granted.

"Though I have to say," I said, eating the last of the cake in my hand. "I was surprised that the Princesses chose Ponyville to have my house built."

"Is it a bad thing?" Pinkie asked genuinely.

"Oh no, absolutely not," I replied quickly. "Just surprised was all."

"I believe it's to help with morale in these rather uncertain times and provide protection where it wouldn't normally be readily available. Plus Ponyville was your first place of action, so it would stand to reason there's a sense of sentimental value there," Ghost chimed in, sipping idly at a small glass of fruit punch. "And they know your feelings about nobility and wouldn't want that animosity getting in the way."

"Huh. That.....makes a lot of sense actually," I said, slowly nodding.

"Well I'm just glad you're enjoying the party," Pinkie said before skipping off.

"I'm gonna get a refill," Ghost said, standing from the bar chair. "You want anything?"

"Nah, I'm good," I waved my hand. "Just enjoy yourself Ghost, you've earned it."

"I promise nothing, Sir," He chuckled before walking off, disappearing into the crowd.

Shaking my head, I looked out towards the crowd, watching people as they went about enjoying the party, occasionally spotting one of the main six among them. It was nice to just watch. I had never been a big fan of parties, large crowds tended to not agree with me but this? It was oddly soothing. Though I guess with everything happening of late, I shouldn't be surprised. Regardless, I continued to people-watch.

As I did, I was overcome by a strange sense of longing. One that wasn't wholly dissimilar to the feeling of disturbing deja vu I get when looking at what was once Damien's sword, but this one felt more familial like there was something deeply missing, something or maybe even someone that should be there but isn't.

"Can you hear me?"

Scrunching my brow, I looked off to my left, through the window and the building and towards the Everfree. A sudden urge to seek something out came to the forefront of my brain, though what it could be, I wasn't sure. A pressure built ever so slightly in my head, the same kind of pressure that built whenever someone was attempting a telepathic link. It was subtle and slowly growing weaker, but it was there.

"Hello?"
"Percival?"

Shaken from my sudden stupor, I blink and look to the source of the voice and find Twilight looking at me, slight concern on her face as Ghost stood behind her.

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright," I replied. "Just zoned out for a bit there."

"I saw," She said as she and Ghost sat beside me. "So are you enjoying the party so far?"

"Couldn't tell you the last time I was at one. Though, don't tell Pinkie I said that. She might have a heart attack," I said, whispering the last part, earning me a laugh. "To be honest with you, it's a nice change of pace compared to what I'm used to."

"I can imagine," She nodded. "You've both been extremely busy. I say you've earned the downtime."

"Ain't that the truth," I replied. "So, any news on our little mystery artefact yet?"

"Actually, we may have hit a breakthrough!" She replied excitedly.

"Wait really?" I asked surprised. "I would have thought it would have taken you guys another few days at least."

"We have been working tirelessly since you brought it in. Thank you for recommending me, by the way," She said gratefully as I nodded. "And while it is still early days, I do think we've figured it out!"

"Well come on, don't keep in suspense."

"We believe we're dealing with a multi-spatial artefact! One with infinitely repeating manifold intersections!"

"I understand those words separately."

"Basically, the Mages and I believe the artefact holds an infinite amount of possible spaces within the stone that are constantly shifting and overlapping each other that, if the math is correct, could very well lead to different points in time."

"That sounds....dangerous."

"Under normal circumstances, it would be, but due to how weak the magic signature is despite how dense it appears to be, it's proven to be remarkably harmless," She replied, her excitement palpable. "I'll be conducting more research over the next few days, so hopefully we should have concrete answers soon."

"Well, here's hoping," I said, holding up my crossed fingers.

~~

I moved through the party, greeting and mingling amongst the citizenry as I did. While more than a few seemed to be momentarily off-put about my height compared to literally everyone else, they soon got over my advantage in altitude when they got the chance to speak to me and remember my first outing before it was rudely interrupted.

Eventually, I made my way to the snack bar, eagerly picking up another slice of cake as Ghost poured himself some punch. Which was non-alcoholic. Even though I'm pretty sure I can't get drunk, still kinda disappointed. But I can't say I was terribly surprised.

As I looked over the party, I noticed a certain fashionista amongst the crowd and waved her over.

"Rarity!" I greeted her as she stepped closer to us. "How are we enjoying this little shindig?"

“Pinkie Pie always knows how to throw a good soiree,” Rarity replied with a smile. “And you?”

"Oh thoroughly," I replied as Ghost sipped quietly at his punch beside me. "Thank you again for patching up my coat."

"Of course darling. And if it ever needs more work done to it, don't hesitate to bring it to me," She said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "And as a friend, I'll even do it free of charge."

I turned to her, raising an eyebrow as a smile graced my lips as she said this. "You know, It’s a bit strange for me to know anyone to be this generous.”

"How do you mean, darling?"

"Well, when I was a wanderer, generosity amongst people wasn't exactly abundant," I replied, getting some punch of my own as Ghost refilled his. "And it's not just you either. Ponyville is easily one of the nicest places I've been to. It’s hard to believe sometimes.”

Rarity smiled. “Well, believe it. Though I won’t lie: I’m excited to work on a wardrobe for a Paladin."

I chuckled. “There’s always an angle."

Rarity blanched. “Darling, that’s not what I meant, I swear-”

I raised my hand, stopping the panicking seamstress. “Relax. It was a joke. I know how much you love to work on clothes. It’s an endearing trait. Besides, I saw your work on display at the boutique. I wouldn’t want anyone else working on my clothes except for you.”

Rarity's pale cheeks slowly developed a small amount of colour as she stuttered slightly. "I-I don’t know what to say."

I simply extended my hand towards her. “How about ‘A pleasure doing business with you’?”

She chuckled and extended her hand towards me, allowing me to gently shake it. “Quite, darling. Quite.”

~~

The crows cheered as Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's arms trembled, their hands clasped together as they fought for dominance. Their arm wrestling match seemed to go on forever as half the room shouted for the farmgirl to win while the other yelled for the rainbow-haired daredevil to take the lead.

As one took over, the room erupted, one side yelling for the Applejack to win while the other encouraged Rainbow Dash to overtake her. Eventually, Applejack slowly started gaining more and more ground as Rainbow Dash's wings fluttered behind her as she tried pushing harder and harder, sweat gathering at her brow before the back of her hand touched the table, declaring Applejack the winner.

The room patted her on the back while the pair nursed their tensed arms, making their way to the bar as Mrs Cake offered them a cool drink. No cider, unfortunately, but it seemed refreshing nonetheless.

"That was some show you two put on," I commented as Ghost and I joined them.

"Fuck yeah, it was!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed before downing half of her drink. "And I would have won if the cheering wasn't distracting me!"

"Sure sugarcube, sure," Applejack laughed, patting her friend on the shoulder.

"I would have!" Rainbow Dash insisted before looking at Ghost who seemed to squint his eyes challengingly. "But I wanna go against him next!"

"What about you partner?" Applejack asked, turning to me. "Up for a game?"

"Oh no, I gave up arm wrestling a long while ago," I said, extending my right arm, showing the slight bend preventing it from fully extending straight. "Broke in the last one I did and it never set correctly."

"Huh," Rainbow Dash hummed, squinting her eyes. "You can deal with demons skewering you like a pin cushion, but you can't heal a simple crick in your arm?"

"Oh, this happened looooong before I could heal as I can now," I replied as Ghost shifted his eyes to my arm.

"What's yer story anyhow?" Applejack asked, sipping at her drink. "What'd you get up to when ya were travelin'?"

"What's to tell?" I asked. "I went from place to place, met some people, did odd jobs to get money and moved on."

"Surely it can't be that simple," Rainbow Dash joined in. "Surely a guy as strong as you got up to more than just, ya know, that."

"Sometimes it is that simple," I replied, scratching the bridge of my nose. "That's all it was for a long time. I liked it, mostly. I was working through some things and the mostly solitary life helped with it."

"How did you get so strong then?" Rainbow Dash asked. "That's got to be a good story."

"Honestly? Couldn't fuckin' tell you. It happened so fast I don't really know what happened," I shrugged, though the flashes of that void through my mind told me I knew otherwise. "It felt like one minute I was on the road and the next I was in the middle of the Everfree playing an organ I found in the old castle ruins."

"Maybe you had an episode," Rainbow commented, earning a jab in the ribs as Ghost chuckled.

"Maybe I did," I laughed. "And if that's the case, then it was a hell of an episode."

"And what are you gonna do now?" Rainbow Dash asked, downing the rest of her drink. "Now that you're out of snob central, I mean."

"I'll do what I was doing before I guess," I replied. "I'm gonna do my job."

~~

Waving as I greeted a new set of people, I stepped out into the cool evening air, sitting on one of the many chairs sitting out front of the bakery. I closed my eyes, feeling the slight nip on my skin as the chilled winds passed over me, blowing through my lengthening hair. As I did, I heard the sound of shuffling to my side, pulling me from my silent enjoyment of the cool atmosphere.

Looking a little behind me, I spot a cat slowly, inching way towards me, slightly extending and tilting its head curiously. It seemed to be on the older side of things if the scraggly brown and white fur and slower gait were anything to go by. Moving slowly to not freight them, I lowered my arm and stuck my finger out for them to sniff.

"Hey buddy," I said softly as the cat's nose twitched, coming just short of touching my finger.

It suddenly rubs its face against the tip of my finger and the rest of my hand, allowing me to try and scratch it behind the ear. As I do, it cranes its neck, leaning its body further into my hand as it begins to purr loudly, clearly enjoying the attention it was getting from me. It quickly began to lean so much to the side it almost fell over, but before it could, it swiftly caught itself, its reflexes clearly not diminished in the slightest. Looking up at me, it slowly moved to just in front of me, crouching down as deftly hopping up into my lap.

"Wow," I heard from beside me. Looking over, I saw Fluttershy give me a surprised look. "I've never seen her be so relaxed with someone so quickly."

I smile as I look back down at the cat as she began making herself more comfortable on my lap. "What can I say? I'm a trustworthy guy."

"Cookie seems to think so," Fluttershy said softly, still looking at the purring cat as I scratched her under the chin. "And she's always been a good judge of character."

"I feel honoured," I said, a smile crossing my lips as the now-named Cookie happily closed her eyes.

"Do...do you like animals, Percival?" Fluttershy asked meekly, sitting next to me slowly so as to not disturb the happy cat in my lap.

"I've always had a weakness for cats," I said, earning a crunchy meow in response, Cookie clearly happy with my choice of words. "I've always found animals to be more honest than a lot of people I've met, so yeah, I'd say I like animals. But not this place though. This town has some of the most honest people I've ever met."

"Rarity told me," Fluttershy replied quietly. "How people weren't nice when you were still travelling. I can't imagine what that must have been like."

"It was fine, for the most part," I replied. "I treated people how they treated me, so they got what they gave."

"That doesn't sound very nice," Fluttershy said, shrinking ever so slightly.

"It was what it was. It shaped me into who I was and thickened my skin a little," I shrugged. "Besides, it led me here. So it was good for something, I guess."

"Well...we're lucky you came when you," Fluttershy said, Cookie meowing in agreement. "And we're definitely lucky to have you so close now."

"I'm just happy to be away from the Nobles," I laughed.

"Twilight told me and the rest of the girls what it was like when she used to live in Canterlot," She said. "They...didn't sound very nice."

"No. Most of them aren't. But there are some that I think I could get along with quite well," I said, glancing at Canterlot looming off of the mountain some distance away. "Their like the people I met on the road. If they're mean, be mean back."

"That sounds hard," Fluttershy admitted.

"Then you're in luck. Because you don't need to," I said as she looked at me. "You have a group of friends who will not hesitate to come to your side and defend you."

"I am very lucky to have them," She nodded.

"Yeah," I said softly, still scratching the content Cookie under the chin as she purred loudly. "Their good eggs."

~~

The hours passed by seemingly like a flash, the party continuing and finishing without a hitch, much to the delight of all involved, Pinkie most of all. Fun times were had by all, even Ghost had a good time. But all good times must come to an end and eventually, everyone filed out, waving us off as Ghost and I made our way home.

Upon opening the door, we were greeted by Walter standing at the ready, hands clasped behind his back, his usual professional grin spread across his lips.

"Evening Sirs," He greeted. "You should be happy to know the pantry has miraculously been restocked while you were away."

"Knew it would be," I nodded. "Thank you, Walter."

"Of course Sir," He nodded back, before holding out an envelope. "You also received some mail as well from a....peculiar individual."

"Peculiar? How so?" I asked, taking the letter.

"Well, they were clad in rather strange robes. Grey with fur and leather," He said evenly. "But most bizarre is they said you'd know what to do with it."

"Okay, that is peculiar" I mumbled. "Thank you, Walter."

"Of course Sir," He bowed slightly before walking off to another part of the house.

Glancing at Ghost, I look down at the envelope and turn it over on my hand, tearing at the seam and pulling the letter from its casing. Unfolding the letter, I carefully read over its contents.

To BB

As you are no doubt well aware, the invasion of Las Almas you orchestrated was a resounding failure, the artefact was taken and the Paladin yet lives. See to it that the stone is retrieved or that you provide a suitable substitute. We will not take this failure kindly after such hefty reassurances and promises and should you fail us again, we will not be so kind as to give you a second chance.
Prove you have what it takes or your life is forfeit.

May the Lord provide.

"Oh, that can't be good."

Author's Note

Just a small filler chapter to push things forward while I try to work past this writer's block
Might come back and add to this at some point since it could stand to be a little longer, we'll see

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!